RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Cognitive Remediation Method Using Rhythmic, Vocal and Corporal Musical Learning for Schizophrenia

This research is exploring a new way to help people with schizophrenia. It focuses on using musical learning, like rhythm and singing, to improve thinking skills such as attention and memory. While medicines help with some symptoms, they don't always tackle problems with focus or feelings of flatness. This study wants to see if a 6-month group music program can improve these areas for people aged 18-60 with stable schizophrenia, compared to those receiving their usual care. Previous small studies showed promise, and researchers believe music could be a fun and engaging way to boost these important skills and overall quality of life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

120

Start

04 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2028

Schizophrenia Disorders

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a new and interesting approach to help people living with schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a long-term condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. While current medicines are very good at controlling some symptoms, like hearing voices or having strong untrue beliefs, they don't always help with other difficulties. For example, some people might struggle with their concentration, memory, or expressing their feelings and enjoying things. These challenges can make daily life and social activities harder.

This is where this study comes in. Researchers are exploring if a special type of musical learning can help improve these thinking skills (often called cognitive skills) and also lift mood. We know that learning music can be great for the brain in general, helping with things like focus, memory, and how we react. This study aims to see if these benefits can also help people with schizophrenia who experience difficulties in these areas. The idea is that because music is often enjoyable and motivating, it might be a more engaging way to improve these important skills compared to some other methods.

The study will involve a group of people taking part in a 6-month musical training program, which includes rhythmic, vocal (singing), and body movements, led by a professional music teacher. Another group will continue with their usual care. Researchers will then compare how both groups are doing, especially looking at changes in their attention and other thinking skills, as well as how they feel generally, over a period of 9 months.

Key takeaways

Exploring if music can help brain skills in schizophrenia.
Compares a 6-month music program to usual care.
Involves weekly group music sessions (rhythm, voice, movement).
Study lasts 9 months with 4 check-up visits.
Aimed at people aged 18-60 with stable schizophrenia.
No musical experience needed to participate.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be aged between 18 and 60 years old and have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or a related condition called schizoaffective disorder. It’s important that your condition has been stable for at least three months, meaning you haven’t needed to be in hospital full-time for schizophrenia during that time. You also need to be regularly seeing a psychiatrist and already taking part in at least one activity outside your home, like a support group or a hobby class.

Your antipsychotic medication shouldn't have changed for at least three months before joining. You also need to be part of a social security scheme, like paying National Insurance. Before you can join, you’ll be given full information about the study, and if you agree to take part, you'll need to sign a consent form.

You wouldn't be able to join if you have a significant learning disability, are already involved in another social rhythm or music activity, or have problems with alcohol or drugs (tobacco use is okay). People with certain brain conditions impacting their thinking, or those already in a similar type of thinking-skill improvement program, also wouldn't be suitable for this study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Do you have a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder?
Has your condition been stable (no full-time hospital stays for 3 months)?
Are you regularly seeing a psychiatrist?
Are you already involved in at least one social activity outside your home?
Has your antipsychotic medication not changed in the last 3 months?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your total involvement will last for 9 months. During this time, you'll have four check-up visits: one at the very beginning (when you join), then at 3 months, 6 months, and finally at 9 months. Each of these visits will involve assessments to see how you are doing and to check on your thinking skills and mood.

If you are placed in the musical learning group, you will attend one one-hour music session every week for six months. These sessions will be with a professional music teacher and a small group of other patients. They will involve rhythmic activities, vocal exercises (singing), and body movements. After the 6 months of music sessions, there will be a further 3-month period to see if the improvements last, during which you won't have the regular music classes but will still have your final check-up visit.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as improving your attention, memory, and potentially your mood and overall enjoyment of activities through musical learning. However, there's no guarantee that you will personally experience these improvements. As with any study, there could be unforeseen risks or discomfort, but the musical learning program itself is designed to be enjoyable and engaging. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (6)

CH de la Côte Basque
Verified postcode
Bayonne, France· Recruiting
CH Le Vinatier
Verified postcode
Bron, France· Recruiting
Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille
Verified postcode
Marseille, France· Not yet recruiting
Association route nouvelle
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France· Recruiting
Centre de Santé MGEN
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France· Recruiting
CH Gérard Marchant
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of music will we be learning?

The musical learning will focus on rhythm, singing, and body movements, not necessarily learning a specific instrument or genre of music.

Will I have to perform in front of others?

The sessions are for learning and improving your skills in a group setting; there is no mention of public performances.

What if I don't like music?

The aim is to make the sessions enjoyable and motivating, but if you truly dislike music, it might not be the right study for you.

Do I need any musical experience?

No, you don't need any prior musical experience to take part in this study.

Will I still get my usual medical care?

Yes, everyone in the study will continue to receive their standard medical care and treatment as usual.

How to find out more

Soukaina Chouiba

soukaina.chouiba@ferrepsy.fr 05 61 43 78 63 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.